THE PORT AUTHORITY OF NY & NJ

Press Release Article

PORT AUTHORITY REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO STEWART INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AS IT CELEBRATES ITS THIRD YEAR AS OPERATOR OF HUDSON VALLEY FACILITY

Date: Nov 09, 2010Press Release Number: 80-2010

The Port Authority today celebrated its third year since acquiring Stewart International Airport, and reaffirmed its commitment to expand the facility to meet the region’s growing aviation needs.

As part of that commitment, a new Federal Inspection Services (FIS) facility to allow for the arrival and processing of international travelers will be completed by the end of this month in advance of the Mexican charter service starting in the New Year. A permanent facility will be built as part of the upcoming terminal expansion.

In addition, Delta Air Lines announced today that it will double its daily service from Stewart Airport to its main hub in Atlanta, offering passengers more choices and connections to hundreds of destinations the airline serves throughout domestically and internationally.

This year, the Port Authority has implemented new customer service initiatives, including the addition of 800 new parking spaces, pay-on-foot stations in the terminals, an express pay lane and additional entrances and exits to make leaving the airport easier for those who park.

“The Port Authority’s stewardship of the Stewart Airport since taking it over three years ago has been exemplary. With the recent announcement of $2 million to make way for the expansion of a larger, more state-of-the-art passenger terminal, the Port Authority has affirmed its commitment to the development of the Airport as a viable fourth alternative for commuters flying in and out of the New York Metropolitan Area. I salute the Port Authority on its third anniversary as the owner and operator of Stewart Airport,” said Governor David Paterson.

“The Port Authority remains more committed than ever to Stewart International Airport. We are working every day on ideas big and small to make sure Stewart gets the Port Authority standard of service that the Hudson Valley region deserves, and we thank all of our federal and local partners for helping to realize the vision of transforming this underused airport into an engine of economic growth,” said Port Authority Executive Director Chris Ward.

"Stewart Airport is an important component of growing the Hudson Valley's economy, and its success and continued expansion is critical," said Senator Chuck Schumer. "I am committed to working with the Port Authority and doing whatever I can to see Stewart Airport grows and thrives in the future."

“I applaud the phenomenal work the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has done operating the Stewart International Airport,” said U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. “Their efforts since 2007 have made the airport safer, more efficient, and more appealing to travelers. Today, Stewart International Airport is a great option for travelers looking to avoid the congestion they might find at other airports in the area. I am pleased to celebrate the anniversary of this transition, which has sparked growth to the local economy and created many new jobs in the region.”

"The Port Authority has made significant progress in improving the facilities at Stewart Airport since assuming responsibility of operations several years ago," said Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY). "As the economy continues to improve and the number of passenger flights hopefully increases, Stewart Airport is well-poised for expansion, which will result in tremendous benefits to the local economy and quality of life for area residents."

“Stewart Airport has been an economic engine for the Hudson Valley for many years, and under the Port Authority’s stewardship, I expect that will remain the case for many years to come. I will continue to do everything I can to ensure Stewart’s success,” said Senator William Larkin.

“I congratulate the Port Authority on its third anniversary at Stewart International Airport. Orange County has always believed in Stewart, and we’re fortunate to have a partner in the Port Authority that shares our enthusiasm and demonstrates it repeatedly through its many commitments and investments at the airport and in the community,” said Orange County Executive Ed Diana.

"In addition to the four frequencies we already offer, we're pleased to announce our additional flight from Newburgh to Atlanta, an important route both to Delta Air Lines and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey," said Gail Grimmett, Senior Vice President New York, Delta Air Lines. "The increased connectivity this service offers will be appreciated by business and leisure travelers alike, whether they are flying domestically or connecting to one of our over 350 destinations worldwide."

Recently, the Port Authority Board of Commissioners authorized $2 million in planning work for the future expansion of the airport’s terminal that will provide for a multi-functional facility to accommodate the processing of international passengers and allow for increased domestic passenger activity. To boost airline service to the airport immediately, the Board also authorized a two-year air service development incentive program to entice passenger airlines and charter tour operators to initiate non-stop service to new markets. Apple Vacations has already taken advantage of the program and the Port Authority hopes to build upon that success

Since taking over Stewart three years ago, the Port Authority has invested significant capital in the airport to realign and rehabilitate roadways, replace roofs, provide adequate parking and improve the taxiway edge lighting system. Customers can see visible changes with the addition of Customer Care Representatives, new way-finding signs, the addition of baggage carts, extra seating in the baggage claim and gate areas and expanded bus service to the Beacon Train Station.

The Port Authority has also put in place a Stewart Sustainability Plan to ensure environmental stewardship of the airport, including the recently announced agreement to purchase environmental attributes from the Taylor Biomass Energy project to the electrified passenger bridges and taxiway LED lights.

CONTACT:

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

Jen Friedberg, 212 435-7777

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey operates many of the busiest and most important transportation links in the region. They include John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty International, LaGuardia, Stewart International and Teterboro airports; AirTrain JFK and AirTrain Newark; the George Washington Bridge and Bus Station; the Lincoln and Holland tunnels; the three bridges between Staten Island and New Jersey; the PATH (Port Authority Trans-Hudson) rapid-transit system; Port Newark; the Elizabeth-Port Authority Marine Terminal; the Howland Hook Marine Terminal on Staten Island; the Brooklyn Piers/Red Hook Container Terminal; and the Port Authority Bus Terminal in midtown Manhattan. The agency also owns the 16-acre World Trade Center site in Lower Manhattan.